Friends Western School is a vibrant Quaker cooperative elementary school with a low teacher/student ratio (15:1) located in Pasadena, CA. Friends Western School is a member organization of the Friends Council on Education. Friends Western School rests in the foundation provided by the Quaker belief that there is an inner light in each of us. This belief inspires the ethos of support, encouragement, respect and kindness that is evident at Friends Western. We seek diversity and welcome families of all faiths and no faith.

Now Hiring: Full-Time Kindergarten/1st Grade Teacher
Location: Pasadena, CA
Start Date: August 1, 2026
Status: Part-Time (Weekdays, 8:00 AM–4:00 PM), Compensation: Salary $75,000 /year

Friends Western School is seeking a full-time teacher to lead a combined Kindergarten/1st grade class of up to 15 students. This is an opportunity to teach in a small, collaborative environment that emphasizes academic excellence, social-emotional development, and values-driven education.

About Friends Western School
Friends Western School is a vibrant Quaker cooperative elementary school located in Pasadena, CA. We offer a low student-to-teacher ratio and a supportive, inclusive learning environment grounded in the Quaker belief that there is an inner light in every person. As a member of WASC and the Friends Council on Education, we are committed to educational excellence, equity, and community. We welcome families of all faiths and backgrounds.
Schedule

This full-time position includes instructional hours from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday through Friday. In addition, attendance is expected at occasional school events outside these hours, including professional development training, Back to School Night, Open House, and other community events.

What You’ll Do
Teach a combined Kindergarten/1st grade class of up to 15 students

Implement and adapt curriculum using frameworks such as Eureka Math, IMSE, Orton-Gillingham Structured Literacy, and the Fountas & Pinnell Literacy Continuum

Support school-wide initiatives that emphasize cultural literacy, civic engagement, and social justice

Build and maintain a restorative classroom culture rooted in Quaker values: simplicity, peace, integrity, community, equality, and stewardship

Use formative and summative assessments to guide instruction

Collaborate with colleagues and participate in the Student Study Team to support students with mild to moderate disabilities

To Apply
Please send your resume to Natalie

* Teach a combined Kindergarten/1st grade class of 15-16 students

* Build a warm classroom community where all students feel welcomed, safe, and have clear expectations and boundaries.

* Provide strengths-based, emotionally responsive support to children and families

* Maintain regular, proactive communication with families (face to face, email, phone)

* Write biannual progress reports that include a narrative portion

* Be an active member of the Student Study Team to support students with mild to moderate disabilities

* Engage in professional development and mentorship to build on and develop existing curriculum and curriculum framework

* Collaborate with colleagues and Head of School to develop and administer curriculum-based assessments, and use that data to inform instruction

* Supervise and coordinate with assistant teachers as needed

* Promote and maintain a restorative classroom culture informed by the Quaker values of simplicity, peace, integrity, community, equality and stewardship

* As a staff member of the cooperative, attend and participate in monthly Membership Meetings

* Contribute to the school’s philosophy of civic engagement and social justice.